Windmill reduced to rubble after Wolverhampton gas blast
A historic Wolverhampton windmill that was badly damaged after a gas explosion has been reduced to rubble.
The landmark building, on Windmill Lane in Castlecroft, has been brought down over concerns it may collapse and fall into a busy road.
Wolverhampton Council closed off Windmill Lane in both directions between its junctions with Castlecroft Lane and The Church of the Good Shepherd for two days as safety officers assessed the damaged building.
The stretch of road was shut from October 17 to 19 while the remains of the windmill were brought down with commuters being diverted via Castlecroft Lane, Pool Hall Road and Castlecroft Avenue.
It stood close to the road, overlooking a hedge, and the council were concerned it may topple into the street, putting neighbours and cars at risk.
A spokesman for Wolverhampton Council said: “Windmill Lane was fully reopened to traffic and pedestrians in both directions, between its junctions with Castlecroft Lane and The Church of the Good Shepherd, on Friday.
“It was closed due to concerns the old Windmill damaged by a gas explosion the previous weekend could collapse into the road. The council liaised closely with the owner of the private property and acted fast to get a team in place to make the structure safe again and get the road reopened.”
The windmill was blown apart on October 13 at around 7.30pm after a gas explosion.
A man, who lives at the property, was inside at the time of the blast but escaped uninjured. West Midlands Fire Service believe the explosion was due to the windmill’s boiler.
A Just Giving page has been set up to support the man.
The page is aiming to raise £500 and has currently raised just under £200.
People can donate by visiting www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/windmill-inn
